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The WHRDIC is a resource and advocacy network for the protection and support of women human rights defenders worldwide. An international initiative created out of the international campaign on women human rights defenders launched in 2005, the Coalition calls attention to the recognition of women human rights defenders.

Coalition Resources

The Coalition produces documentation, analysis and reports to support this work.

WHRDs face a variety of risks and violations in their work. We have launched a new report: Our Right To Safety (PDF 1MB ) in an effort to assess the various mechanisms that have been developed to provide protection to WHRDs at risk, including initiatives developed by national governments, and regional and international human rights bodies.

A tool for WHRDs to claim rights and claim justice, to empower them further in their role as defenders. This guidebook details the types of violations experienced by WHRDs and explains how to document these, in order to develop protection mechanisms that are more responsive to their needs.

Featuring 43 case studies, this extensive report provides a vivid analysis of the landscape in which WHRDs live and work. It examines the types of violations against WHRDs and identifies the root causes of these as patriarchy, heteronormativity, fundamentalisms, globalisation, militarisation and conflict. The report also looks at successful strategies to protect WHRDs

Member Resources

These papers look at cases of WHRDs in Egypt: nurses, doctors, teachers, students, industrial and agrarian workers, activists, protesters and political candidates. The papers highlight the challenges they face because of their gender and look at responsive strategies. Also available in Arabic.

Inspiring profiles of WHRDS all over Mexico, who work to protect Indigenous rights, end gender violence and killings of women, improve working conditions, defend LGBTQI rights, fight for women’s right to abortion, and encourage press freedom. Available in Spanish and English.

This report details the risks faced by WHRDs in Colombia, from systematic stigmatisation and unfounded criminal proceedings, to sexual violence, violent attacks and killings. It includes recommended actions for the Colombian Government, as well as the E.U., U.K. and U.S. Spanish version.

Focuses on a key obstacle to the realisation of women’s reproductive rights: the harassment, intimidation, legal restrictions and other challenges faced by abortion providers. This report recognises abortion providers as human rights defenders.

Looks at WHRDIC’s efforts to shed light on the unique challenges WHRDs face and to create new systems of advocacy on their behalf. The three main topics discussed are: Families, Communities and Culture; Sexuality-Baiting and the Use of Sexuality to Attack Women’s Organizing; and Direct Accountability of Religious Fundamentalist Forces.

A list of existing research materials, on the rights and mechanisms available to WHRDs at risk; women activists’ wellbeing and self-care; and how to document and monitor violations of women’s rights and how to conduct trial observation.

Other Reports

Report of the UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya on Human Rights Defenders on the situation of women human rights defenders, delivered at the 16th session of the Human Rights Council 10 March 2011.